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DoT Exploring Changes to Hwy 8/47 Intersection in Rhinelander Published on 12/06/2017 under News

The Department of Transportation is considering a reconstruction of a busy intersection in the Rhinelander area.

That project will focus on the intersection of US Highway 8 and Wisconsin Highway 47. According to the announcement, the project is slated for 2019.

While pavement deterioration and drainage under the intersection are two factors on the decision, safety concerns are another. The DoT says between 2012 and 2016, there were 28 crashes at that intersection leading to 8 injuries and 1 death. They noted that a majority of the crashes were the result of left turning vehicles.

Among the considerations for the project is the possibility of placing a roundabout at the intersection. Another is to simply modify the intersection while keeping traditional traffic lights.

As part of the planning process for the project, the DoT will be holding a public input session coming up next Tuesday in Rhinelander. We'll have that information in our community calendar.

In Other News

New Discover Wisconsin Video Highlights Harrison Hills Trail System

Published on 02/03/2026 under News The Harrison Hills trails are a popular attraction in Lincoln County. The ATV/UTV trail system is the focus of another new video promoting the region. Over the past two years, Lincoln County has worked with Discover MediaWorks to produce a series of videos. The current chapter is titled What's Behind the Trees. On Monday, they released a new video short focused Harrison Hills and recreation vehicles. Host Lindsey Hayes spend a fall day riding with a local group to experience what the 60-plus mile trail system has to offer. She highlights the diverse terrain and natural scenery of riding in the Harrison Hills, along with trail access to various amenities including campgrounds, bars and restaurants, and parking areas and gathering spaces. And like many of the videos in the series, it showcases the people behind the place. This video is part of a growing catalog of segments and features on Lincoln County. One of the segments produced last year on sled dogs was selected as the winner of a regional Emmy Award. Many of these videos focus on outdoor recreation, playing on the Lincoln County slogan, "Where the Northwoods Start and Your Adventure Begins." In fact Hayes repeats the line as the latest segment closes. The video is available on Discover Wisconsin's YouTube channel. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News While storms and downed trees cause most wide spread power outages, a common backyard critter is another frequent culprit. According to Wisconsin Public Service, squirrels caused power outages to an estimated 5,000 customers this past year. The utility recently highlighted some of the proactive measures they've been taking to help prevent animal-related outages. Their crews add a special coating to some equipment that makes it harder for the squirrels and other animals to climb and gnaw at wires. Transformers and substations are another location for nesting and food storage. WPS places special covers on transformers to prevent access, while adding extra insulation to prevent animals from entering and causing a damage. Although squirrels are the most common wildlife pest, they are not alone. WPS notes that birds, raccoons, snakes and other rodents have all been known to cause power interruptions.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Northwoods residents have a pair of tech schools in our back yard with Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and Nicolet College in Rhinelander. A recent survey published in January showed approximately two-thirds of Wisconsin residents hold a favorable opinion of the system and its colleges. That's up from 52% in a similar survey from 2022. Residents overwhelmingly associate technical colleges with real-world value, job outcomes and affordability. System President Layla Merrifield says, "Our colleges provide affordable, flexible pathways to careers and further education, and these survey results affirm that we are meeting the needs of students and employers alike." Merrifield added, "As we look ahead, WTCS remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships with employers and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is a common and treatable heart rhythm condition. For some patients, medications alone are not enough to manage symptoms, but there are other options. February is American Heart Month and Aspirus provided some information on Afib while highlighting a relatively new treatment known as Pulse Field Ablation. Dr. Ronnie Ortiz is a cardiac electro-physiologist with Aspirus Heart Care. He explained that atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart beat, where people may notice palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and most commonly feeling tired. When medications are not effective, physicians may recommend an ablation procedure. Ablation targets areas of heart tissue that contribute to the abnormal rhythm. Pulse field ablation uses targeted electrical energy, allowing physicians to treat the heart more efficiently. Compared to traditional ablation, Ortiz says, "What's different is that it reduces the risk of collateral damage to nearby structures, which is an important benefit for patients." It also reduces the time of the procedure and recovery. Ortiz also emphasized the importance of seeking care when symptoms appear. He says, "The longer atrial fibrillation goes untreated, the more challenging it can be to manage."

Published on 02/03/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is investigating an art theft. According to this week's report, a deputy was sent to a property on County A in the Town of King for a report of a theft that occurred sometime within the last year. The reporting party indicated that while his home was under construction, someone remove a high-value piece of art from the property. According to the report, the owner was able to provide the deputy with possible suspects. At the time of the report, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… A 67 year old Merrill woman was arrested for 1st offense OWI following a single vehicle crash in the Town of Scott.Two other weekend accidents resulted in injuries that required further medical treatment.The number of vehicle vs deer collisions remains elevated for this time of year with another 9 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 02/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys wrestling squad would finish up their home portion of their schedule with a close loss in their Great Northern Conference dual with Antigo Monday night, 35-30. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 7-3 on the season. The Hatchets are back in action tonight to wrap up their regular season at Great Northern Conference foe Mosinee. Events begin at 7:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad won their eighth straight game Saturday, defeating St. Mary Springs in Fond du Lac, 5-2. Tomahawk got on the board first, as Jonah Dickens lit the lamp with an assist from Jett Reilly and Tomahawk led with 9:27 left in the first. Five minutes later, that duo would team up again for the second Hatchet goal, as Dickens scored from Reilly and Tomahawk led 2-0 after the first. Tomahawk would build their lead to 3-0 with 12:38 remaining in the second; Brayden Lamer scores on the power play, with assists to Dickens and Reilly. Dickens would score his 40th goal of the year on a shorty with 11:23 left in the second. Landyn Seymour and Reilly assisted. Seymour would cap off the Hatchet second period scoring, with an even strength goal with 1:28 left in the second. Dickens and Reilly get the assists. Tomahawk led 5-0 after two periods of play. St. Mary's Spring would score their two goals late in the third period, both on power plays from Teigue Wagner. Hudson Seymour had 22 saves for the Hatchets. The Hatchets improve to 18-3 on the season. Tomahawk looks to finish the Great Northern Conference season undefeated Tuesday up in Eagle River against Northland Pines. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' wrestlers would finish second in the Elcho Scramble Saturday. Tomahawk finished with 237.5 points, finished behind only Manitowoc Lincoln. The Hatchets would have three first place finishers in the meet. Wally Horabik would win the 144-pound bracket. Also placing first were Kaiden Kapellusch at 175 pounds and Nathan Norman at 215 pounds. Tomahawk is back in action Monday for a Great Northern Conference dual match with Antigo at the Hatchet House. Events begin at 6:30.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's female wrestler would place sixth at the Husky Challenge in Eau Claire North Saturday morning. The Hatchets finished with 107 team points, five behind Eau Claire North and St. Croix Falls. Fellow Lincoln County School Merrill would win the challenge Saturday. Three Hatchets would finish fourth place in the invite. Kylie Peissig, Kaylee Roberts, Kami Gabrich, and Lillian Taves all placed in the top four. The Hatchets hit the mats for the Great Northern Conference Meet in Medford Friday night. Alex Koch and Tony Derleth will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pre-meet Show at 4:40 and opening events beginning at 5:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News At their annual awards celebration this weekend, the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized another group of individuals that have contributed their time and talents to the community. The Chamber honors those who have made the Tomahawk area a better place to live, work, and play. And in this community, there is never a shortage of candidates. The Ambassador Award is presented to an individual, organization or business who presents the community in a positive light. It was awarded to Tomahawk Music on the River. They're the group behind the free, weekly concert series in Memorial Park during the summer. Next, the Spirit Award, was presented to Chris Bembinster, a long-term volunteer with WaWui and SARA Park. A new award this year, Small Business of the Year, was voted on by the community. We, at WJJQ Radio, were grateful to accept this award. The final award of the evening was for Lifetime Achievement. It was presented to Patti Hilgendorf. Hilgendorf is the long-time director of the youth mentor program known as Tomahawk Kinship. A congratulations go out to all of this year's recipients.

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